Safe, Effective Flea Control

Flea preventatives have come a long way in safety and efficacy from the flea dips and collars of the past.  Many of the newer products available are: 1) easier to use 2) safer and 3) kill fleas in all their life stages, thus shortening infestation times.  With all the new products available, one might wonder about which products are the safest and most effective for their cat.

The most important thing to realize is that cats can be sensitive to any medication.  Most of the older products and some of the products that are still currently available contain insecticides called permethrins or pyrethroids.  When used in proper concentrations, many toxicologists believe these formulations to be safe.  However, in smaller or sick or debilitated cats, the recommended concentration (as labeled on the package) may still produce an adverse reaction.  The real concern is when higher concentrations of insecticide, like the amount found in dog products of the same formulation, are administered to cats.  The severity of toxicity is specific to each cat, meaning that some cats are extremely sensitive to even small doses, while others may show no signs of toxicity at all.  Symptoms of pyrethrin/pyrethroid toxicity include: muscle tremors or twitching, excessive salivation, lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting and seizures. Onset of clinical signs may occur within a few hours or may take as long as a day. Treatment involves supportive care and hospitalization.

** Use only products labeled for use in cats! Formulations labeled for dogs often contain levels of medication that are toxic for cats.  **

Luckily, many newer products available both by prescription and over-the-counter are formulated without these insecticide products.  These medications contain compounds that target only the nervous system of fleas and are safe for cats.  If side effects do occur, they are typically limited to: 1) hair loss at the site of application 2) salivation if the product is ingested or 3) lethargy. 

Available and Safe Flea Control Products:

            REVOLUTION*
            VECTRA*                 

                        *Available at Cats Exclusive Veterinary Center

            ADVANTAGE
            FRONTLINE PLUS

Flea Control Products that ARE NOT Recommended:

  If you use these products, please use them with caution and only use those approved for cats!

                                             

Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos, dips, collars, and foggers:  (Hartz, Sergeants, Bio-Spot, Kirkland Brand): Contain permethrin insecticides which can be toxic to cats.

Natural flea remedies:  Essential oils (Tea Tree, Cedar, Eucalyptus, Citronella, Peppermint, Neem, Limonenes):  Cats do not metabolize essential oils effectively, so application of oils through collars or spot-on products may cause toxicity.  All essential oils are potentially toxic in cats.  Symptoms of toxicity include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting and dizziness. 

Weight Loss Boot Camp

By now you've surely seen our new Weight Loss Boot Camp program which started May 1st. As much as 55% of cats are overweight and they need the same things we do in order to get back to and maintain a healthy weight. Cats face many of the same health risks that people do when they are overweight or obese: heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, and more. Diet and exercise can work wonders for a cat with some weight to lose.

Take a look at Cactus. She faces many of common challenges of the overweight cat. She lives a happy indoor life, but was somewhat sedentary and only ever eats dry food. Working with a veterinarian, she has switched from a high-carbohydrate diet to one that is high in protein. Even without making the switch to canned food, she lost almost 5 pounds in a year (this is a healthy rate of weight loss for her). 

Cats are obligate carnivores and therefore the "Atkins" philosophy is appropriate to them. All those carbohydrates in dry diets end up translating into excess weight with all its corresponding issues. Ideally, cats would all be on a wet food diet, as these are high in both protein and moisture, while limiting the carbohydrates that they do not need. Not all cats can be broken of the dry food habit, however, and even small changes can make a huge difference.

Recently, Cactus has added a treat ball to her daily routine. Diet is not the only factor in weight, and environmental enrichment can make a huge difference. Cactus loves her treat ball and it gets her up in moving in ways that she didn't before. We should be seeing her for a weight check soon and then we'll be able to see just how much adding exercise has helped.

Remember, cats are small, so always consult a veterinarian about what a safe rate of weight loss is before starting any program.

Average Joe Cat Show 2012

You know that your cat is amazing. Why not show the rest of us? Purrfect Pals’ Average Joe Cat Show takes place on Saturday, May 5th, 2012, and it's almost upon us! It’s only $25 to enter and the fee includes two tickets to the show. Enter your cat in categories such as “Loudest Purr,” “Biggest Feet,” “Prettiest Eyes,” or even “Most Average.” There is also a photo contest going on currently online. It is $1 per vote and all proceeds go to Purrfect Pals, a cat shelter in Arlington, WA.

Cats Exclusive is a sponsor again this year and we will have a booth at the show. Come find us to talk to Amanda about some of the amazing retail products we have, or to meet our newest doctor, Dr. Stern, and participate in our fun giveaways. We will have products available for sale that day and information about the hospital as well.

Again, the show takes place on Saturday, May 5th from 10 am to 3 pm at the Shoreline Center. Tickets are $5 per person or $12 per family. If you have some time to stop by, we highly recommend it. It’s always a fun time!

Can you help? Two Saint Francis Siblings Desperately Need Homes!!!

Winslow  is an adult (8 years young), neutered male with current vaccinations, negative for Feline Leukemia and FIV, has had a recent dental cleaning, and is microchipped. He is a gorgeous long haired white cat with brown tabby markings. Look at that luxurious fur! His previous owner reports that he adjusted very well to her home when he moved in last fall, and loves to give kisses. He obviously would need time to warm up to his new family, but can be a very loving guy. He doesn't enjoy being picked up, but loves to play. He gets along well with his sister Winnie and would probably get along with another cat if given a proper and careful introduction. He has a difficult time in a kennel environment and needs someone with a big heart to see past this fear when first meeting him.

Winnie is an adult (8 years young), spayed female with current vaccinations, negative for Feline Leukemia and FIV, has had a recent dental cleaning and is microchipped. She is a quiet girl with a sweet disposition that just needs that special human to spend time with her to get to know her. Her previous owner reports that she can be rather timid at first, but really bonds well to her family when she comes out of her shell. She loves to climb on cat towers, and loves to play with feather toys.

 

Originally these two cats were abandoned by their owners at our doorstep many months ago. As you may recall, Winnie and Winslow were adopted out from Cats Exclusive last fall but unfortunately their new owner needs to be out of town a lot and this hasn't worked well for them. Neither cat likes being home alone for long periods and  they don't tolerate boarding very well. They both need regular human interaction and can be adopted together but may be happier in separate homes. If you know anyone who might be interested please let us know as they deserve to find another home very quickly!!!  Both are currently boarding here at Cats Exclusive and are available for visitation during regular office hours.

Infection? Maybe not!

By Kathryn Mattick, DVM


Tinkle, tinkle, little Star, you've been in your litterbox six times so far!

He must have a bladder infection!  This is a common complaint I hear almost everyday from clients.  Most people think a bacterial infection is to blame and a prescription for an antibiotic will cure the problem.  Did you know that bladder infections actually account for less than 25% of urinary tract disease?

How do you know if your cat has a urinary problem?  If your cat is making frequent trips to the litterbox (more that three times a day), urinating outside of the litterbox, or has a change in the amount of urine he produces, you should have him examined by your veterinarian.

Some cats do not have a medical cause, but rather have a behavioral issue responsible for the aversion to the litterbox.  The answers you provide during your appointment will help determine this as well as the appropriate tests to run and proper therapy.

The first test performed is usually a urinalysis, which will look for an infection, but will also search for many other factors such as crystals or blood in the urine.  A radiograph (x-ray) may also be recommended to look for a stone within the urinary tract or abnormalities to the spinal canal.

If your cat is unable to urinate normally due to an obstruction, this is a serious health condition that requires immediate treatment to alleviate the blockage.  Your veterinarian can determine this during the physical exam.

Your cat may not have a bladder infection, so if you are noticing a difference with his litterbox usage, please call us to schedule an appointment.

Tiki Cat: Safe & Sustainable

Are you concerned about sustainable fishing? So are the folks over at PetTropics, the company responsible for Tiki Cat. You can rest easy knowing that your fish-loving cat has a safe, sustainable diet.

All their seafood is caught in the South Pacific to minimize mercury and pollutants. To further decrease mercury concerns, all their tuna is caught using with short lines to bring in smaller, younger fish. Their fishery is a member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation and they follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines. The chicken and vegetables that they use are USDA inspected and certified as safe for human consumption and their wild-caught seafood is safe to be sold for human consumption anywhere in the world. Additionally, they are certified by the International Dolphin Conservation Program.

Due to the many safety and sustainability precautions that they take, particularly the use of only whole foods, their business grew considerably during the time when many other foods were being recalled. This company does not believe in compromising the ingredients in their diets and this helps to protect your cat’s health. If you’re looking for an ecologically conscious food to feed your cat, you would be hard-pressed to find better than Tiki Cat.

Introducing Dr. Stern!

by Dr Jessica Stern

This is my first official week at Cats Exclusive and I am very excited to be joining such an amazing medical team! From the moment I walked into the clinic, I could see that the doctors and staff share my love of working with cats. When I decided to become a feline veterinarian, I outlined a set of qualities that I believed would make me the best doctor I could be: high quality medicine, compassion, good client communication and understanding, and respect for all that makes a cat ‘a cat’. I can see that Cats Exclusive embodies these qualities and I am thrilled at the opportunity work here. Cats are such wonderful companions and it is an honor to be part of a team that helps keep them healthy and happy. I look forward to meeting you and your feline friends next time you come to Cats Exclusive!

I am often asked what motivated me to become a feline veterinarian, so I thought you might enjoy my story…

She was an underweight, flea-ridden kitten with attitude to spare that my college roommate and I ‘rescued’ from a farm in Texas. I had never had a cat before and I took it upon myself to raise her. My ignorance prevailed and Zoe quickly schooled me in the ‘ways of a cat’. I was hooked. I have always loved animals but the idea of being a veterinarian really never occurred to me until I adopted this scruffy, scrappy, little animal and my desire to keep her healthy and happy became a passion. After finishing veterinary school, I was able to join a feline specialty practice and dedicate my efforts entirely to the care and ‘service’ of cats. Fast forward eight years later and I have never regretted this decision. I love what I do. Zoe tells me I made the right choice every day.

*****
Jessica Stern; DVM, DABVP, CVA, is a 2004 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and comes to Cats Exclusive with 8 years of experience working exclusively with cats in Ohio, California, and Washington. Dr. Stern even has advanced training in feline medicine gaining her board certification and is certified in veterinary acupuncture as well. We are so happy she has joined us!